PCB yet to receive go-ahead from govt on World Cup in India.

RAWALPINDI -- Keeping in view India's rigid stance over the Asia Cup scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan later this year, the government so far has not given its go-ahead to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for national team's participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup being staged in India, and has reserved its decision in this regard, Dawn has learnt.

The Asia Cup 50-over event is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in September, around a month before the 10-nation World Cup starts in India.

Sources in the federal government and the PCB told Dawn that when the Board last week sought government's permission for the World Cup participation, the government did not give its go-ahead and decided to wait till India's final decision regarding its participation in the six-team Asia Cup.

'You can't say that we are going to boycott the upcoming World Cup [in India]. However, the government so far has not given us any assurance or permission. The government, it seems, before taking any final decision, will wait for India's response regarding the Asia Cup,' a source in the PCB said.

The International Cricket Council's Board of Governors meeting is taking place in Dubai on March 20, in which the PCB will share the government's stance and concerns over India's approach towards the Asia Cup, the source added.

According to sources, since the government has not flatly refused its team's participation in the World Cup in India and only held the decision in this regard because of the Asia Cup issue, the PCB meanwhile will take appropriate steps required for Pakistan's smooth participation in the global event. Therefore, the PCB during the upcoming ICC meeting will also seek tax exemptions. Furthermore, it will request the game's world governing body to ensure timely issuance of visas for the team, media and fans.

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